BAGUIO CITY – Department of Health-Center for Health and Development-Cordillera Administrative Region (DOH-CHD-CAR) Public Health Management Cluster Nurse V Glenda J. Dacanay promoted their 18-day Campaign to End Violence Against Women “VAW Bigyang-Wakas, Ngayon na ang Oras!” during a Kapihan sa Baguio Session last Thursday, November 7 at the RTC Hall of DOH-CHD-CAR Building.
The campaign is said to raise awareness, support survivors, and provide health-based interventions to mitigate the impact of VAW. Data shows that 46% of women in the Cordillera Administrative Region sought assistance from their experience while 38% did not seek assistance or share their experience due to cultural factors, stigma, and lack of trust in available support systems.
“Together, we can help break the cycle of violence by prioritizing the well-being of these women,” Dacanay said.
The impacts of Violence against Women in CAR are Physical Injuries, Mental Health, Reproductive Health, Help-Seeking Behaviors, and of course the Women’s Awareness of Support Services. Dacanay said that 90% of women are aware of support services while 70% know they can seek help but few women actually access these services.
Findings from the 2022 National Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) say that around 5.1% of women experienced physical violence from their most recent intimate partner, 18% reported experiencing emotional abuse from a partner, while 2.7% reported sexual violence underscoring the need for reproductive and mental health support in the CAR Region. For Economic Decision-making among women, 7.4% reported their husband or partner for primarily controlling the earnings and how the earnings were used while 53.5% of women made joint decisions with their partners, and 39.1% made financial decisions independently.
The Department of Health’s Mandate for Health to Support the VAW Survivors was shown to be focusing on mental health support including crisis, counseling, referral services, and support groups. ”Bawat Pilipino, ramdam ang kalusugan” and “Ligtas dekalidad, at mapagkalingang serbisyo” to ensure the survivors of violence to have access to immediate quality care. DOH will also be providing emergency contraceptives, STI prevention, and trauma-informed care for VAW survivors.
There will also be health facilities as safe spaces for reporting abuse in the Women and Children Protection Units in all Hospitals involving Confidential reporting at DOH and private facilities, and Trained Healthcare Providers. DOH will also be collaborating with agencies including PNP for Protection, DSWD for shelter and counseling, and, NGOs for community-based care.
In terms of the community’s role in preventing VAW, raising awareness through health promotions and supporting mental health will be of help to its victims and survivors.
“We can all be advocates on violence against women,” Dacanay emphasized. By Audree Lumauig
